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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "AS 289"
COURSE NAME: "Digital Photography"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Summer Session I 2016
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Jochem Schoneveld
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: MW 9:00 AM 12:45 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS:

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This is a course in basic digital photography. The theoretical component includes the basic functions of the camera, the use of lighting, principles of composition, interaction between colors, a discussion of architecture and interiors, and basic principles of the elaboration of photos on the computer. The practical component involves picture taking and the preparation of a photo exhibition. Each student must be equipped with a digital camera with a wide lens or a 3x or greater optical zoom, and camera functions selector which includes M, A, S, P. A tripod is strongly recommended. Modern single-lens reflex (SLR) digital cameras with interchangeable lenses are highly recommended.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
This is a course in digital photography and digital imaging, composed of 10 sessions for a period of 5 weeks. Every session is divided in two parts:

-Theoretical and technical: the basic principles of photography, visualizing the photo, lighting techniques, digital workflow and photo critique.
-Practical: fieldworks where you will be applying what you’ve learned. Rome will be our main source for subject matter.

Prerequisites 
-A digital camera with RAW output and is needed for the course. 
-Cameras need functions selector M,A,S,P.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
-Understanding of digital photography from a practical and theoretical viewpoint;
-Basic skills to set up a logical digital workflow: Capture, File Management, Processing Workflow, Color Management, non-destructive image processing;
-Developed an aesthetic sense and be able to produce and read photographic images;
-The ability to write a brief critical  evaluation of photographic works;
-The skills to create and present their own portfolio; 
TEXTBOOK:
NONE
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Portfolio 20
Attendance 30
Mid-Term Test 20
Final Project 30

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.

-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Students are supposed to come prepared to class and participate in all activities. Active participation is crucial, since the learning process requires considerable practice. Regular attendance is an essential component of class participation. Attendance is mandatory. More then 3 absences will lower the participation portion of the grade considerably. Make sure your travel plans do not interfere with the class schedule. MAKE-UPS Individual arrangements for make-ups will be done only for students with medical emergencies or any other valid reasons. The Midterm and Final Exam can only be made up with approval from the Dean of Academic Affairs (Please see the John Cabot University Catalogue and Student Handbook). Please refer to the university catalog for the attendance and absence policy. 
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.

SCHEDULE

SessionSession FocusReading AssignmentOther AssignmentMeeting Place/Exam Dates
Session 1 The basic principles of photography I. Difference and similarities between digital and film based photography. The camera and lenses. Basic camera controls. The basic principles of photography II. How to control exposure. Relationship between Shutter speed and Aperture explained. How to control focus and depth of field. Fieldwork   
Session 2Visualizing the photo. The basics of composition. Framing the subject, geometrical design elements (shapes, patterns, lines, textures). Choosing the right lens. Perspective, view point.   
Session 3Lighting techniques. Artificial vs available light. The direction of light. How light affects color. Hard and soft light. Understanding Color Temperature. Fieldwork.   
Session 4The digital workflow I. Data capture, File Management, basic corrections.   
Session 5Looking at photographs. John Szarwowski: "The truth is that anybody can make a photograph," ,"The trouble is not that photographs are hard to make. The trouble is that they are hard to make intelligent and interesting." Setting the criteria for reading photos. Write about photos. Visit a Photo exhibit   
Session 6evaluate knowledge taken during first half of the course’s lessons and theorical knowledge. Select your project. Setting up a framework and planning for your project.   
Session 7Editing your images. Making choices about Color and Black and white. Cropping your images. (discuss photo, photographic essay)   
Session 8The digital workflow II. Non-destructive image processing, working with RAW files, masks, dodging and burning. (discuss photo, photographic essay)   
Session 9The digital workflow III: Archiving, Metadata, Profiles, Closed loop color Management, preparing images for diverse output.(discuss photo, photographic essay)   
Session 10Completion of the final project. Presentation and review of students’ photographic projects. Critically evaluate the work presented by fellow students.